Airbnb still has a lot of growing up to do before its users trust its service

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Brian Chesky, the company’s CEO, wants Airbnb to become an end-to-end travel company and has invested heavily in so-called experiences, including concerts in secret locations which support up-and-coming local talent.

The CEO sees Airbnb as a company with an infinite time horizon, but, before the company can become a sustainable long-term travel business, it has some immediate issues it needs to solve.

Some of the biggest challenges the company currently faces are media articles telling horror stories from guests, pop-up brothels, and illegal renting.

Among the changes, Airbnb Select is expected to be introduced. The so-called Select scheme is essentially a quality-controlled Airbnb service, with only the highest-rated hosts able to participate in the programme.

Hosts included in the Select programme are required to forego an inspection and meet certain criteria such as cleanliness, single-use toiletries, and availability of tea and coffee.

This provides users with a higher level of quality assurance than previously available and brings the Airbnb guest experience closer to that of a hotel.

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Hosts who comply with the requirements will benefit from factors such as a professional photographer for their home, will feature more commonly in searches, and have the ability to charge higher prices to guests.

Introducing accommodation which the company has essentially vetted is a move away from Airbnb’s original business model.

But, is a step in the right direction if the company does want to become a “community driven superbrand” involved in all aspects of the travel experience.

Airbnb needs to show it is able to provide a trusted service and stamping out the problems that put people off the platform and create negative press will be essential to achieve this.